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Image Usage Rights

Artists retain IP rights Competition administrators and the IAEA may reproduce/display artwork with credit Artist name will always accompany artwork usage Signed agreement required upon submission (viewable on webpage)

Nuclear Pop! Redefining Nuclear Energy in Popular Culture

Nuclear energy has been misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture for decades - from Homer Simpson dozing at control panels to three-eyed fish swimming near plants and eerie green goop threatening communities. Now it's time to "transmute" these dated stereotypes into accurate, positive representations. Move beyond glowing waste and mutant monsters to show nuclear energy's true present and future role in our world.

Selected works will be showcased at the IAEA's International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes in Vienna (May 26-30, 2025), putting your art at the center of a global conversation about nuclear energy's future.

Let nuclear be the hero of the story, as it is in real life! Your creative work can showcase nuclear's impact through any visual medium - digital art, animation, comics, video, or beyond. 

• From "D'oh!" to "Whoa!"
  • Transform bumbling plant workers into the skilled professionals they really are
  • Show the diverse faces and expertise behind nuclear innovation
• From Mutant Fish to Thriving Ecosystems
  • Flip the script on environmental impact narratives
  • Reveal how nuclear energy protects rather than harms our planet
• From Meltdown to Marvel
  • Challenge disaster-focused storytelling
  • Reveal how nuclear saved millions of lives by replacing coal
• From Toxic Green to Clean Energy Blue
  • Reimagine the visual language of nuclear energy
  • Show the true face of the power that could save our climate

Explore these or similar concepts through your own unique creative vision and ideas. Your submission can directly challenge stereotypes, create new positive narratives, or highlight real-world applications that are often overlooked in popular media. All forms of creative expression are welcome as we work to transform the image of nuclear energy and showcase its true power and potential.

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Eligibility

The contest is open to people of all ages and skill levels, from all IAEA Member States. 

Participants may submit multiple entries. Only one prize eligible per participant. 

Awards

1. First Place: $3,000
2. Second Place: $2,000
3. Third Place: $1,000
4. Ten (10) Finalist Gift Cards: $100 each to the Generation Atomic store

Additional Benefits:

• Potential feature in a magazine/blog
• Selected work will be exhibited at the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes
• One finalist will be invited to attend the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes (travel expenses covered)
• Selected work will be showcased on the IAEA and Generation Atomic websites

Submission RequirementsAcceptable Formats

• Digital Art
• Illustrations
• Comic Books
• Paintings
• Other Visual Media

Technical Specifications

• Static Visual Work: JPEG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 25MB)
• Video/Animation: MP4 or MOV format (maximum 5 minutes, 500MB)
• Interactive/Web: Provide accessible link and documentation
• Physical Artwork: High-quality documentation through photos/video
• All visual documentation must be well-lit and clear

All required materials are listed in the submission formSpecial Considerations

AI Usage Guidelines

• AI tools may be used to assist in the creative process but cannot be the sole creator. Works that are 100% AI-generated will not be accepted.
• All AI assistance must be explicitly disclosed in the artist statement, including:
  • Which elements were created with AI assistance
  • Which AI tools were used
  • How AI was incorporated into your creative process
• Failure to disclose AI usage will result in disqualification

Fan Art

• We welcome creative interpretations of existing works that “transmute” the source material. 
• You may put a nuclear science spin on familiar characters or stories, challenge common tropes, or create new stories inspired by nuclear-themed media. 
• Please note your inspirations in your artist statement and ensure your work adds new creative elements.

Judging CriteriaPanel Composition

• Six judges representing diverse geographic regions
• Expertise in art, communications, and sciences

Evaluation Rubric

40% Narrative & Creative Impact - How effectively does the work challenge stereotypes and tell a compelling story?

35% Artistic Merit - Quality of execution, technical skill, and innovative approach

25% Scientific Relevance - Connection to real-world nuclear applications and benefits